Glow touch feedback for virtual input devices

ABSTRACT

The claimed subject matter is directed to providing feedback in a touch screen device in response to an actuation of a virtual unit in a virtual input device. Specifically, the claimed subject matter provides a method and system for providing visual feedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtual keyboard. One embodiment of the claimed subject matter is implemented as a method for providing luminescent feedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtual keyboard. User input in a virtual keyboard corresponding to a virtual key is received. The corresponding virtual key is actuated and registered in response to the user input, and a luminescent feedback is displayed to the user as confirmation of the actuation of the virtual key.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/260,721, filed on Apr. 24, 2014, and entitled “GLOW TOUCH FEEDBACKFOR VIRTUAL INPUT DEVICES”, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.8,750,938, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, and entitled “GLOW TOUCH FEEDBACK FORVIRTUAL INPUT DEVICES”, the entireties of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND

A touch screen is a display capable of detecting a physical stimulus orother contact with a foreign object (such as a finger or stylus) withina display area and interpreting the stimulus as input. The ability of atouch screen to receive (i.e., detect and interpret) a stimulus istypically enabled through the use of a plurality of touch-sensitivesensors. Touch-sensitive sensors are devices that respond to a stimulusand produce a signal indicative of the stimulus's magnitude, relativeposition, or other characteristic attributable to the stimulus.Touch-sensitive sensors may be implemented according to a variety oftechnologies. Popular touch-sensitive sensor implementations in thefield of consumer electronics include resistive sensing, capacitivesensing, infrared sensing, optical imaging and dispersive signaltechnology. Other technologies exist that are also well known in theart.

Touch screens have become increasingly popular in the field of consumerelectronics. Applications in which touch screen applications may be usedinclude display interfaces of computing devices, such as notebookcomputers (tablets), personal data assistants (PDAs), and mobilehandsets. Other popular applications in which touch screens have beenincorporated include the user interfaces of bank automated tellingmachines, kitchen appliances, exercise equipment, satellite navigationdevices and other consumer electronics.

Displays which offer touch screen functionality provide substantialbenefits over traditional displays. These benefits include the abilityto directly interact with the content displayed on the touch screen,rather than indirectly with a dedicated input device, such as akeyboard, keypad, mouse, or touchpad. Another benefit of a touch screendisplay is the ability to receive input without requiring the presenceof a dedicated input device. As consumer electronic devices(particularly mobile handsets) continue to reduce in size, the inclusionof a touch screen provides a manufacturer the ability to further reducethe size of the device by eliminating the space required for an inputterminal. In addition, by devoting the entirety of a device's surfacearea for use as a display rather than apportioning the surface areabetween a display area and an input terminal (e.g., keypad), the totaldisplay area may be increased, resulting in a superior user experience.

One popular implementation of a touch screen is the simulation of aninput terminal. A touch screen according to this implementation displaysone or more images corresponding to the individual input units of thesimulated input terminal. For example, a touch screen simulating acomputer keyboard may display a “soft” (virtual) keyboard in the displayarea. This soft keyboard may be displayed as an image of a physicalkeyboard. When a stimulus (e.g., finger tap) is detected over thesurface of the keyboard image, the stimulus is interpreted as auser-actuation of the key corresponding to the image. Thus, tapping theimage of the letter “A” in the image of a soft keyboard is interpretedas though the user typed “A” via a dedicated input terminal.

Unfortunately, mobile computing devices such as cell phones, smartphones and PDAS which use touch screens as a primary method of input maybe difficult or inconvenient to use. For example, typical touch screenslack the tactile feedback provided by pressing a tangible button or keyin a physical input terminal. Accordingly, users may be uncertainwhether any key was actuated at all. Further complicating the issue, thereduced sizes of many mobile computing devices naturally limit the sizesof their respective touch screens. A soft keyboard or soft keypad may beimplemented with constituent keys which are tightly spaced and/orinconveniently small. A user pressing a key on a soft keyboard mayobscure the visibility of a substantial portion of one or more keys justwith the user's fingertip. Errant key presses may also be a common userexperience. Thus, in order for the user to be assured that input isbeing received as intended, the user is required to monitor the outputfield on the display to verify both that a key was entered, and morespecifically, that the correct key was entered.

However, while monitoring the output field, the user may be unable toview the soft keyboard, and must therefore estimate the position of thekeys to continue entering text. Novice users in particular may finddifficulty in estimating the relative positions of the keys accurately.Looking at the soft keyboard interface solves this problem, but preventsthe user from verifying whether a key press was registered by the touchscreen, or to view which keys the user has recently pressed, until theuser again views the output field. Naturally, the constant diverting offocus between the output field and the soft keyboard may causeinconvenience to the user and inefficient input entry.

One conventional solution to this problem is to provide a feature thatincreases the size of the image of a key when a stimulus is detected ina static location exceeding a length of time. For example, if a user'sfinger tip presses a key on a soft keyboard and holds the position ofthe finger tip over the image of the key over a threshold period oftime, the image of the key is adjusted (typically, enlarged) so that thevisibility of the key is less obscured to the user by the position ofthe user's finger.

Unfortunately, while this solution reduces the uncertainty of theidentity of the key currently pressed, it does nothing to indicate theidentity of the keys previously pressed, and thus does not alleviate theinefficiency caused by requiring the user to divert attention betweenthe output field and the soft keyboard. On the contrary, since thestimulus's position must be maintained to exceed a threshold, anadditional delay results each time this feature is employed. A naturalresult of this delay is a corresponding decrease in efficiency.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The claimed subject matter is directed a method and system for providingglow touch feedback for virtual input devices. The claimed subjectmatter provides a method for displaying a glow feedback in response to auser input in a touch screen. Another embodiment of the claimed subjectmatter provides a system for displaying luminescent feedback in responseto stimulus.

Glow touch feedback makes it possible for a touch screen user toimmediately verify that the user is pressing the correct key on avirtual input device (such as a soft-keyboard) even if the user's finger(or other stimulus, such as a stylus) covers or partially obscures theimage of the virtual key. In one embodiment, the glow touch feedback isdisplayed by momentarily illuminating the image of the virtual keypressed by the user. In alternate embodiments, the feedback is displayedby illuminating an area surrounding the image of the virtual key pressedby the user (e.g., a halo).

In further embodiments, the illumination may persist over a period oftime. In addition, the illumination may display a fade-out effectwherein the illumination decreases over the same period of time. With afade-out effect a user can readily verify which key was pressed withouthaving to remove their focus from the keyboard.

In another embodiment, a generic glow effect can be used to indicatethat a key press was registered without revealing which key was pressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart describing the process of providing visualfeedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtualkeyboard, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a virtual keypad, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a virtual keypad with an actuated keydisplaying a visual feedback in the image of the actuated key during afirst period of time, in accordance with various embodiments of theclaimed subject matter;

FIG. 2C is an illustration of a virtual keypad with an actuated keydisplaying visual feedback in the image of the actuated key during asecond period of time, in accordance with various embodiments of theclaimed subject matter;

FIG. 2D is an illustration of a virtual keypad with an actuated keydisplaying visual feedback in the image of the actuated key during athird period of time, in accordance with various embodiments of theclaimed subject matter;

FIG. 2E is an alternate illustration of a virtual keypad, in accordancewith various embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 2F is an illustration of a virtual keypad with an actuated keydisplaying a visual feedback in the area surrounding the actuated keyduring a fourth period of time, in accordance with various embodimentsof the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 2G is an illustration of a virtual keypad with an actuated keydisplaying a visual feedback in the area surrounding the actuated keyduring a fifth period of time, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe claimed subject matter;

FIG. 2H is an illustration of a virtual keypad with an actuated keydisplaying a visual feedback in the area surrounding the actuated keyduring a sixth period of time, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe claimed subject matter;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a virtual keyboard, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a virtual keyboard with an actuated keydisplaying a visual feedback in the image of the actuated key, inaccordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 3C is an illustration of a virtual keyboard with an actuated keydisplaying visual feedback comprising a halo in the image of theactuated key, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimedsubject matter;

FIG. 3D is an illustration of a virtual keyboard with an actuated keydisplaying visual feedback in the area proximate to the image of theactuated key, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimedsubject matter;

FIG. 3E is an illustration of a virtual keyboard with an actuated keywith an image having a decreased size in response to an actuation, inaccordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 3F is an illustration of a virtual keyboard with an actuated keywith an image having an increased size in response to an actuation, inaccordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 3G is an illustration of a virtual keyboard displaying a visualfeedback in the area surrounding the virtual keys comprising the virtualkeyboard in response to an actuation of a key, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 3H is an illustration of a virtual keyboard displaying a visualfeedback in the area surrounding the virtual keyboard in response to anactuation of a key, in accordance with various embodiments of theclaimed subject matter;

FIG. 3I is an illustration of a virtual keyboard with an actuationindicator, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter;

FIG. 3J is an illustration of a virtual keyboard with an actuationindicator displaying a visual feedback in response to an actuation of avirtual key, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimedsubject matter.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary computing device 400 according to variousembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theclaimed subject matter, a method and system for the use of a reputationservice provider, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the claimed subject matter will be described inconjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood thatthey are not intended to be limit to these embodiments. On the contrary,the claimed subject matter is intended to cover alternatives,modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spiritand scope as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed descriptions of embodiments ofthe claimed subject matter, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter.However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components,and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarilyobscure aspects of the claimed subject matter.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented interms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on data bits that can be performed oncomputer memory. These descriptions and representations are the meansused by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectivelyconvey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Aprocedure, computer generated step, logic block, process, etc., is here,and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps orinstructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiringphysical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though notnecessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient attimes, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to thesesignals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers,or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present claimedsubject matter, discussions utilizing terms such as “storing,”“creating,” “protecting,” “receiving,” “encrypting,” “decrypting,”“destroying,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of acomputer system or integrated circuit, or similar electronic computingdevice, including an embedded system, that manipulates and transformsdata represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computersystem's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computer system memories or registers orother such information storage, transmission or display devices.

Accordingly, embodiments of the claimed subject matter provide a methodand system for providing feedback in a touch screen device in responseto an actuation of a virtual unit in a virtual input device. The claimedsubject matter provides a method for providing luminescent feedback inresponse to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtual keyboard. Userinput in a virtual keyboard corresponding to a virtual key is received.The corresponding virtual key is actuated and registered in response tothe user input, and a luminescent feedback is displayed to the user asconfirmation of the actuation of the virtual key.

Providing Visual Feedback

FIG. 1 is a flowchart describing the process 100 of providing visualfeedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtualkeyboard, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter. Steps 101-107 describe exemplary steps comprising the process100 in accordance with the various embodiments herein described.

According to the process 100 of FIG. 1, user input corresponding to avirtual key is received at step 101. The user input may comprise, forexample, a stimulus detected by the sensor in an area of a touch screencorresponding to a virtual key in a virtual keyboard or virtual keypad.Typical stimuli include a physical motion such as a touch or tap (orother physical contact) from a user's fingertip or stylus. Otherstimulus motions include drawing motions, such as dragging the stimulusacross one or more sensor areas (and virtual keys).

At step 103, the virtual key corresponding to the user-provided stimulusreceived in step 101 is actuated. In one embodiment, pre-apportionedareas of a touch screen surface may display image or graphicalrepresentation of one or more virtual keys. A stimulus detected in animage (or graphical representation) will be received as user inputcomprising an entry of the virtual key, and the virtual key is actuated.

At step 105, the actuation of the virtual key as performed in step 103is registered by the touch screen. Data corresponding to an entry of thekey represented by the virtual key actuated at step 103 is registered bythe touch screen. For example, a stimulus corresponding to a press ofthe virtual key “9” will be registered as user input consisting of thenumber 9.

Finally, at step 107, a visible luminescent confirmation to the userthat actuation of the virtual key as performed in step 103 andregistered in step 105 was successfully performed is displayed to theuser. The visible luminescent confirmation may be displayed as amomentary glow-type effect (e.g., a soft illumination). The glow effectmay be displayed for example, in the image of the virtual key, such thatthe virtual key is distinguishable from other, unactuated virtual keys.

In one embodiment, once an actuation of a virtual key is registered, theluminescent confirmation is displayed instantly. In further embodiments,a virtual keyboard displays an image of a physical keyboard comprising aplurality of virtual keys. Each key image is further separated fromother key images by a thin outline surrounding each key image. Accordingto one embodiment, the luminescent confirmation may be displayed byilluminating the outline of an actuated virtual key image. In stillfurther embodiments, a luminescent confirmation may be displayed in theareas between the images of a plurality of virtual keys within a certainproximity to the image of the actuated virtual key.

In further embodiments, other feedback may be provided along with thevisual confirmation. For example, haptic feedback or audible feedbackmay be provided along with the luminescent confirmation. For instance,the touch screen device (e.g., mobile handset) may vibrate briefly oremit an audible sound, noise, or tone when a virtual key is actuated.

In still other embodiments, visual confirmation of an actuated virtualkey may comprise adjusting the display size of the image of the virtualkey, e.g., either increasing or decreasing the display size of the imageof the actuated virtual key relative to the display size of the otherimages of virtual keys in the virtual keyboard, such that the image ofthe actuated virtual key is readily distinguishable from its unactuatedstate. In alternate embodiments, the virtual keyboard may comprise avirtual keypad or other virtual input device. In still furtherembodiments, the virtual key may comprise a button in a virtual toolbar,or other such object in an interface (e.g., a menu) capable of toggling.

Providing a luminescent confirmation corresponding to the specificvirtual key once actuation is registered may not always be desirable.For example, in password entry fields, providing luminescentconfirmation corresponding to the actuated virtual keys may compromisethe security of the password protection. However, an indication that akey was actuated may still be desirable. Accordingly, in alternateembodiments, a luminescent confirmation corresponding to an actuation avirtual key is provided without visibly distinguishing the virtual key.According to these embodiments, the luminescent confirmation may, forexample, be displayed by illuminating the areas surrounding all thevirtual keys.

In another embodiment, the luminescent confirmation may be displayed byilluminating an outline surrounding the frame of the virtual keyboard.In still further embodiments, a user interface widget, such as actuationindicator, may be displayed. The actuation indicator may, for example,comprise an image located in a neutral position (e.g., lacking directallusion to any specific virtual key). When any virtual key is actuated,the image of the actuation indicator may be briefly illuminated, and notilluminated at any other time.

By providing a luminescent confirmation, the user is able to verify boththat a key is actuated according to a stimulus, and that the correct keywas actuated by the stimulus without having to refer to the output fieldof the touch screen. This reduces the need to shift focus between thevirtual keyboard and the output field of the touch screen, therebyincreasing the ease and efficiency of user input entry.

In some embodiments, the luminescent confirmation provided in step 107may be displayed temporarily for a pre-determined duration. By providinga luminescent confirmation that persists over a duration of time, theuser is able to readily verify input preceding the currently actuatedvirtual key was received as intended.

In further embodiments, the intensity (e.g., brightness) of theluminescent confirmation decreases over the pre-determined duration. Theintensity of the luminescent confirmation (e.g., the glow-type effect)may deteriorate over the pre-determined duration at a constant rate,thus displaying a “fade” effect. For example, an image of a virtual keymay be illuminated in response to an actuation. The intensity of theimage may decrease over time (e.g., two seconds), such that, at thetermination of the illuminated period, the brightness of the image is nolonger distinguishable from the brightness of other images in thevirtual keyboard (e.g., the virtual keys revert to a constantbrightness). By providing a luminescent confirmation that deterioratesover a duration of time, the user is able to verify input preceding thecurrently actuated virtual key was received as intended, and in theorder as intended.

In still further embodiments, the above enumerated techniques forproviding feedback for an actuation may be combined in whole or in part.

Exemplary Virtual Keypad

FIGS. 2A-2H are illustrations of a virtual keypad 200, in accordancewith various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. As depicted,FIGS. 2A-2H include a virtual keypad 200, comprising images of aplurality of virtual keys (e.g., virtual key 201, 202, 203, 204, 205,206, 207, 208 and 209). FIGS. 2A-2D depict illustrations of a virtualkeypad 200 wherein a visual confirmation is displayed upon the actuationof a virtual key by illuminating the image of the actuated virtual key.FIG. 2A depicts a virtual keypad 200 prior to displaying a visualconfirmation for an actuation.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of the virtual keypad 200 with an actuatedkey 205 displaying a visual feedback in the image of the actuated key205 during a first period of time, in accordance with variousembodiments of the claimed subject matter. In one embodiment, the visualfeedback is temporary. As depicted in FIG. 2B, the intensity of theillumination of the virtual key 205 deteriorates over time. FIG. 2Bdepicts the time the visual feedback is first displayed, and the timethe feedback is displayed with the greatest intensity.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of the virtual keypad 200 with an actuatedkey 205 displaying visual feedback in the image of the actuated key 205during a second period of time, in accordance with various embodimentsof the claimed subject matter. FIG. 2C depicts the continueddeterioration of the intensity of the illumination of the image ofvirtual key 205 over time. FIG. 2C depicts a second period of time afterthe first period of time, wherein the intensity of the illumination ofthe image of virtual key 205 has deteriorated below the intensity of theillumination displayed during the first period of time.

FIG. 2D is an illustration of a virtual keypad 205 with an actuated key205 displaying visual feedback in the image of the actuated key 205during a third period of time, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe claimed subject matter. FIG. 2D depicts the continued deteriorationof the intensity of the illumination of the image of virtual key 205over time. FIG. 2D depicts a third period of time after the first andsecond periods of time, wherein the intensity of the illumination of theimage of virtual key 205 has deteriorated below the intensities of theillumination displayed during the first and second periods of time.

FIG. 2E is an alternate illustration of a virtual keypad 200, inaccordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. FIGS.2E-2H depict illustrations of a virtual keypad 200 wherein a visualconfirmation is displayed upon the actuation of a virtual key byilluminating the area surrounding the image of the actuated virtual key,between the image of the actuated virtual key and the images of other,adjacent virtual keys. FIG. 2E depicts a virtual keypad 200 prior todisplaying a visual confirmation of an actuation.

FIG. 2F is an illustration of a virtual keypad 200 with an actuated key205 displaying a visual feedback in the area surrounding the image ofthe actuated virtual key 205 during a fourth period of time, inaccordance with various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. Inone embodiment, the visual feedback is temporary. As depicted in FIG.2F, the intensity of the illumination of the area surrounding theactuated virtual key 205 deteriorates over time. FIG. 2F depicts thetime the visual feedback is first displayed, and the time the feedbackis displayed with the greatest intensity.

FIG. 2G is an illustration of a virtual keypad 200 with an actuated key205 displaying a visual feedback in the area surrounding the actuatedkey 205 during a fifth period of time, in accordance with variousembodiments of the claimed subject matter. FIG. 2G depicts the continueddeterioration of the intensity of the illumination of the areasurrounding the image of the virtual key 205 over time. FIG. 2G depictsa fifth period of time after the fourth period of time, wherein theintensity of the illumination of the image of virtual key 205 hasdeteriorated below the intensity of the illumination displayed duringthe fourth period of time.

FIG. 2H is an illustration of a virtual keypad 200 with an actuated key205 displaying a visual feedback in the area surrounding the actuatedkey during a sixth period of time, in accordance with variousembodiments of the claimed subject matter. FIG. 2H depicts the continueddeterioration of the intensity of the illumination of the areasurrounding the image of the virtual key 205 over time. FIG. 2H depictsa sixth period of time after the fourth and fifth periods of time,wherein the intensity of the illumination of the image of virtual key205 has deteriorated below the intensities of the illumination displayedduring the fourth and fifth periods of time.

Exemplary Virtual Keyboard

FIGS. 3A-3J are illustrations of a virtual keyboard 300 in accordancewith various embodiments of the claimed subject matter. As depicted,FIGS. 3A-3J include a virtual keyboard 300, comprising images of aplurality of virtual keys (e.g., virtual key 301). FIG. 3A depicts avirtual keyboard 300 prior to displaying a visual confirmation for anactuation.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 with an actuatedkey 301 displaying a visual feedback in the image of the actuated key301, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the visual feedback may consist of, forexample, an illumination of the image of the actuated key 301. Accordingto some embodiments, the visual feedback may persist for a period oftime, and may also deteriorate over the period of time, in the manner aspreviously described.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 with an actuatedkey 301 displaying a visual feedback comprising a halo in the image ofthe actuated key, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimedsubject matter. As depicted in FIG. 3C, the visual feedback may consistof, for example, an illumination of the immediate area surrounding theimage of the actuated key 301, between the image of the actuated key 301and the images of other, adjacent virtual keys. According to someembodiments, the visual feedback may persist for a period of time, andmay also deteriorate over the period of time, in the manner aspreviously described.

FIG. 3D is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 with an actuatedkey 301 displaying a visual feedback in the area proximate to the imageof the actuated key 301, in accordance with various embodiments of theclaimed subject matter. As depicted in FIG. 3D, the visual feedback mayconsist of, for example, an illumination of the image of the actuatedkey 301 and the area between the image of the actuated key 301 and theimages of other, adjacent virtual keys proximate to the image of theactuated key 301 and over a certain radius. According to someembodiments, the visual feedback may persist for a period of time, andmay also deteriorate over the period of time, in the manner aspreviously described.

FIG. 3E is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 with an actuatedkey 301 with an image having a decreased size in response to anactuation, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter. As depicted in FIG. 3E, the image of the actuated key 301 isdecreased in size relative to an original state, and relative to theimages of other, unactuated keys in the virtual keyboard 300. In someembodiments, adjacent images of other, adjacent, unactuated keys may beenlarged such that the total area and dimensions of the virtual keyboard300 remains constant. In other embodiments, the area between the imageof the actuated key 301 and adjacent images of other, adjacent,unactuated keys increases in size such that the total area anddimensions of the keyboard 300 remains constant.

According to some embodiments, the visual feedback may persist for aperiod of time, and may also deteriorate over the period of time. Forexample, the size of the image of the actuated key 301 may increase insize at a constant rate over the period of time such that, at the end ofthe deterioration, the size of the image is equivalent to the size ofthe image in its original, unactuated state.

FIG. 3F is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 with an actuatedkey 301 with an image having an increased size in response to anactuation, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter. As depicted in FIG. 3F, the image of the actuated key 301 isincreased in size relative to an original state, and relative to theimages of other, unactuated keys in the virtual keyboard 300. In someembodiments, adjacent images of other, adjacent, unactuated keys may bereduced such that the total area and dimensions of the virtual keyboard300 remains constant.

According to some embodiments, the visual feedback may persist for aperiod of time, and may also deteriorate over the period of time. Forexample, the size of the image of the actuated key 301 may decrease insize at a constant rate over the period of time such that, at the end ofthe deterioration, the size of the image is equivalent to the size ofthe image in its original, unactuated state.

FIG. 3G is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 displaying a visualfeedback in the area surrounding the virtual keys comprising the virtualkeyboard in response to an actuation of a key, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the claimed subject matter. FIG. 3G depicts anembodiment wherein the specific indication of an actuated virtual key isundesirable (e.g., in a password or other such security field).

As depicted in FIG. 3G, the visual feedback may consist of, for example,an illumination of the area surrounding each of the virtual keyscomprising the virtual keyboard. According to some embodiments, thevisual feedback may persist for a period of time, and may alsodeteriorate over the period of time, in the manner as previouslydescribed.

FIG. 3H is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 displaying a visualfeedback in the area surrounding the virtual keyboard 300 in response toan actuation of a key, in accordance with various embodiments of theclaimed subject matter.

As depicted in FIG. 3H, the visual feedback may consist of, for example,an illumination of the area surrounding the frame of the virtualkeyboard 300. According to some embodiments, the visual feedback maypersist for a period of time, and may also deteriorate over the periodof time, in the manner as previously described.

FIG. 3I is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 with an actuationindicator 311, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimedsubject matter. FIG. 3I depicts an actuation indicator 311 prior todisplaying a visual confirmation for an actuation.

FIG. 3J is an illustration of a virtual keyboard 300 with an actuationindicator 311 displaying a visual feedback in response to an actuationof a virtual key, in accordance with various embodiments of the claimedsubject matter. In still further embodiments. As depicted in FIG. 3J,the visual feedback may consist of, for example, an illumination of theactuation indicator 311. In one embodiment, the actuation indicator 311is a user interface widget. In other embodiments, actuation indicator311 may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) on the surface of thetouch screen device. In one embodiment, when an actuation of any virtualkey is registered or detected, the actuation indicator 311 mayilluminate briefly, and may remain dormant (e.g., un-illuminated) at anyother time.

While the feedback has been described as visual feedback, and inparticular, luminescent feedback, other techniques for providingfeedback have been previously described and may be incorporated asadditional embodiments.

Basic Computing Device

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary computing device 400 according to variousembodiments. Computing device 400 depicts the components of a basiccomputer system providing the execution platform for certainsoftware-based functionality in accordance with various embodiments.Computing device 400 can be an environment upon which a touch screenapplication from various embodiments is instantiated.

Computing device 400 can be implemented as, for example, a desktopcomputer system, laptop computer system or server computer system.Similarly, computing device 400 can be implemented as a handheld device(e.g., cell-phone, etc.) Computing device 400 typically includes atleast some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media canbe a number of different types of available media that can be accessedby computing device 400 and can include, but is not limited to, computerstorage media.

In its most basic configuration, computing device 400 typically includesprocessing unit 401 and memory 403. Depending on the exact configurationand type of computing device 400 that is used, memory 403 can bevolatile (such as RAM) 405, non-volatile 409 (such as ROM, flash memory,etc.) or some combination of the two. In one embodiment, touch screenapplication 407 is instantiated in the volatile memory 405. Touch screenapplication 407 may include virtual keyboard 421, which may comprise aplurality of virtual keys (e.g., virtual key 423, 425). In alternativeembodiments, touch screen application 407 and its underlying componentsmay be implemented in whole or in part in non-volatile memory 409.

Additionally, computing device 400 can include mass storage systems(removable 411 and/or non-removable 413) such as magnetic or opticaldisks or tape. Similarly, computing device 400 can include input devices415 and/or output devices 417 (e.g., such as a display). Additionally,computing device 400 can include network connections 419 to otherdevices, computers, networks, servers, etc. using either wired orwireless media. As all of these devices are well known in the art, theyneed not be discussed in detail.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing visual feedback in responseto an actuation of a virtual key, comprising: detecting user inputcorresponding to the virtual key, a plurality of virtual keys comprisingthe virtual key being displayed on a touch screen; and displaying, onthe touch screen, visual confirmation in response to detection of theuser input corresponding to the virtual key for a period of time, thevisual confirmation comprises a visual distinction in a brightness ofthe virtual key relative to a brightness of other virtual keys in theplurality of virtual keys for the period of time, wherein the brightnessof the virtual key is the same as the brightness of the other virtualkeys in the plurality of virtual keys after the period of time.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the period of time during which the visualconfirmation is displayed is a pre-determined duration of time.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the brightness of the virtual key is the sameas the brightness of the other virtual keys in the plurality of virtualkeys before the detection of the user input corresponding to the virtualkey.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a virtual keyboard comprises theplurality of virtual keys.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a virtualkeypad comprises the plurality of virtual keys.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein a virtual toolbar comprises the plurality of virtual keys. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the user input corresponding to thevirtual key comprises a stimulus in an area of the touch screencorresponding to the virtual key.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: outputting haptic feedback along with the visualconfirmation in response to the detection of the user inputcorresponding to the virtual key.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: outputting an audible indication along with the visualconfirmation in response to the detection of the user inputcorresponding to the virtual key.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thevisual confirmation further comprises visual feedback in an areaproximate to the virtual key.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thearea proximate to the virtual key is within a certain radius of thevirtual key.
 12. A mobile computing device, comprising: a touch screen;at least one processor; and memory that comprises computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causethe at least one processor to perform acts including: displaying avirtual keyboard in an area of the touch screen, the virtual keyboardcomprises a plurality of virtual keys; detecting user inputcorresponding to a particular virtual key from the plurality of virtualkeys; and displaying, on the touch screen, visual confirmation inresponse to detection of the user input corresponding to the particularvirtual key for a period of time, the visual confirmation comprises avisual distinction in a brightness of the particular virtual keyrelative to a brightness of other virtual keys in the plurality ofvirtual keys for the period of time, wherein the brightness of theparticular virtual key is the same as the brightness of the othervirtual keys in the plurality of virtual keys after the period of time.13. The mobile computing device of claim 12, the memory furthercomprises computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the atleast one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform actsincluding: generating a haptic indication along with the visualconfirmation in response to the detection of the user inputcorresponding to the particular virtual key.
 14. The mobile computingdevice of claim 12, the memory further comprises computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causethe at least one processor to perform acts including: outputting anaudible indication along with the visual confirmation in response to thedetection of the user input corresponding to the particular virtual key.15. The mobile computing device of claim 12, wherein the visualconfirmation persists for the period of time, and the period of time isa pre-determined duration of time.
 16. The mobile computing device ofclaim 12, wherein the visual confirmation further comprises visualfeedback in the area of the touch screen on which the virtual keyboardis displayed outside a particular area in which the particular virtualkey is displayed.
 17. A mobile computing device, comprising: a touchscreen; at least one processor; and memory that comprisescomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least oneprocessor, cause the at least one processor to perform acts including:displaying a virtual keyboard in an area of the touch screen, thevirtual keyboard comprises a plurality of virtual keys; detecting userinput corresponding to a particular virtual key from the plurality ofvirtual keys; and displaying, on the touch screen, visual confirmationin response to detection of the user input corresponding to theparticular virtual key for a period of time, the visual confirmationcomprises: a visual distinction in a brightness of the particularvirtual key relative to a brightness of other virtual keys in theplurality of virtual keys for the period of time; and visual feedback inthe area of the touch screen on which the virtual keyboard is displayedoutside of a particular area in which the particular virtual key isdisplayed.
 18. The mobile computing device of claim 17, wherein thebrightness of the particular virtual key is the same as the brightnessof the other virtual keys in the plurality of virtual keys before thedetection of the user input corresponding to the virtual key and afterthe period of time.
 19. The mobile computing device of claim 17, thememory further comprises computer-executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processorto perform acts including: outputting a haptic indication along with thevisual confirmation in response to the detection of the user inputcorresponding to the particular virtual key.
 20. The mobile computingdevice of claim 17, the memory further comprises computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causethe at least one processor to perform acts including: outputting anaudible indication along with the visual confirmation in response to thedetection of the user input corresponding to the particular virtual key.